In loving memory of our beloved, Mother, Donnie who passed away peacefully on May 1,2020 at West Park Manor. Always together in life and in love, Mom paused briefly before following her dear husband, Raymond who passed unexpectedly in Dec.2019. On June 18th, we will toast our very special parents on what would have been their 65th wedding anniversary.
Mom will be forever remembered and sadly missed by children,Bruce (Pat), Cory , Gordon (Aaike) and Mark; grandchildren, Kaile(Pearce), Alan (Holly),Garet, Brent (Joanna) and great-grandchildren, Owen and Audrey; and extended family and friends.
Mom's younger years were spent in her hometown of Kenora, Ontario. Among many other things, her parents, Mary and Frank encouraged Mom and her younger brother,Frank Jr. in the appreciation of family including dogs, music, theatre, books, education, picnics, swimming, the beach and blueberry picking ! As time went on ,Mom became an accomplished pianist ! Once the family moved to Winnipeg, Mom participated in various school activities such as drama, badminton,volleyball and glee club. After graduation from West Kildonan Collegiate, Mom began her studies in the Faculty of Home Economics at the University of Manitoba. At one point , a certain tall and rather dashing, Pharmacy student caught her eye. Romance blossomed and our parents were married at St.Stephen's Broadway United Church on June 18, 1955. They were blessed with over 64 years of marriage.
Instead of continuing at The University of Manitoba, Mom shifted her focus to family life. While Dad was busy getting his Pharmacy career underway, Mom had a full schedule with four children under the age of five ! There was never a dull moment with all that was going on. Luckily, both sets of grandparents and other extended family were often pleased to assist. Once we were off to school, Mom had time to devote to other interests. She taught at "Tiny Tots" and was quite involved in the early days of Y Neighbours. For many years, Mom was a part of the Manitoba Pharmacy Women's Auxiliary. She held various positions, including President. Further to their shared interests, Mom and a friend launched and ran a successful business on Broadway Ave. called "Creative Connections." Their shop showcased Manitoba Art including pottery, weaving, jewellery, paintings etc. It seems that the business did well.. despite an assortment of pottery etc finding it's way into our parent's home. Several years later, Mom applied and was accepted at the University of Winnipeg. It was rather brave of her to return after being absent from student life for some time. She enjoyed her studies and pursued a major in English. In 1980, Mom became an "official" English major after graduating with a Bachelor of Arts from the U of W. As time went on , some of the positions that Mom held were: Director of Leadership Development at the YWCA, Executive Director of Big Sisters Association of Winnipeg, Executive Director of Bookmates and, Director of Volunteer Services at Seven Oaks General Hospital. Mom thrived on her involvement in the working world. She became quite an accomplished speaker. Mom was fond of her colleagues and was well-respected in her various positions. Our family is very proud of all of her accomplishments.
Another interest that suited our Mom was painting. She may have inherited her talent from her Father, Frank. Generally,Mom dabbled in oils. Although she did not paint on a regular basis, she produced several noteworthy paintings.
Our parents were fortunate to have travelled extensively. With their love of the arts there were always concerts, plays and art galleries to attend and appreciate. In later years Mom joined in our Dad's love of photography. Between the two of them we have inherited some interesting photographs .
Both Mom and Dad were very devoted to family. Birthdays and special get-togethers were always done up in style. We are grateful to have had so many wonderful occasions.
We wish to express our heartfelt thanks to the staff at West Park Manor for their dedicated and wonderful care of our Mother . Your warmth and kindness meant the world to our family. We always felt that our Mother was truly valued.
As per our Mother's wishes, cremation has taken place and a service will not be held.
In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the Winnipeg Humane Society (winnipeghumanesociety.ca) or, to the Inuit Art Centre at the Winnipeg Art Gallery (https://www.inuit.wag.ca/donate/ or, to the Winnipeg Art Gallery https://wag.ca/support/donate/
Our family is very thankful for being blessed with a very loving ,devoted Mother and Father. You will always be in our hearts.